Dealing with a misuse of executor powers during probate can be a distressing situation. Executors, entrusted with carrying out the wishes of a dead person as outlined in that person's will, need to act with honesty. However, there are instances where executors may...
Probate
Making probate less stressful for your loved ones
According to the Florida Office of the State Courts Administrator, there were over 75,000 probate cases filed in 2021. Probate often seems daunting and stressful. However, with proper planning and understanding, you can make this process much smoother for your loved...
Guide to Florida probate: How you can make things easier going forward
The Florida Office of the State Courts Administrator reported 152,337 probate filings in 2020 and 2021. Navigating the Florida probate process can be a challenging and complex task. Probate is the legal process to manage the assets and liabilities of a deceased...
Commonly asked questions about the probate process
The Florida probate process is something that many people encounter at some point, especially after the death of a family member or close friend. The process can be complex, and understanding it might be challenging. If you are going through this process yourself or...
Will your estate be used to pay off debts?
You probably plan to leave your family an inheritance after your death. However, you might die before paying all your debts. This could complicate the efforts of your surviving family members to claim your property in probate. As Nerdwallet explains, in certain...
Can you avoid probate?
The estate planning process includes not only drafting your will but also establishing other important records, such as advanced directives and guardianship declarations. In the state of Florida, most estates pass through probate after the estate owner’s death. If you...
When may someone contest a will and who defends the estate?
Anyone who believes they may have an interest in the deceased's assets may contest a will in probate court. According to the Florida State Legislature, after the testator's death, an individual may dispute an entire will's contents or a portion of it. Wills must name...
What are your duties as your uncle’s personal representative?
When your Uncle Joe created his will and wished to name you his personal representative, you readily agreed, thinking the required responsibilities were still years away. Now that your uncle has died unexpectedly, you will have to administer his estate much sooner...
What duties does a personal probate representative have?
When individuals pass away in Florida, their estates may enter into probate so that the family may settle the deceased final financial affairs. According to the Florida Bar, probate matters may include settling debts and dispersing money and property to beneficiaries...
Can you avoid probate?
After you die, your estate plan will dictate how to distribute your assets. For this to occur, your estate will go through the probate process. According to the Florida Courts, probate is a process overseen by the court system that involves identifying all of a...